American Battery Technology Company, an integrated critical battery materials company, has reached a significant commercial milestone. The company has entered into a direct binding agreement with a domestic strategic customer for the purchase of its accumulated recycled black mass material from its pioneering lithium-ion battery recycling facility.
ABTC commenced operations at its commercial lithium-ion battery recycling plant in October 2023. The facility employs a unique set of recycling processes based on a strategic de-manufacturing approach. This system combines a deconstruction process with a targeted selective hydrometallurgical process, making it adaptable to various feedstock form factors. It can process lithium-ion batteries and manufacturing scrap of different sizes, shapes, and internal chemistries.
The initial phase of the recycling process yields several recycled products, including copper, aluminum, steel, a lithium intermediate, and a black mass intermediate material. The integrated second phase, currently being implemented, further refines these materials into battery-grade nickel sulfate, cobalt sulfate, manganese sulfate, and lithium hydroxide.
While ABTC previously considered marketing its black mass intermediate material globally, the company has shifted its focus to domestic sales. This strategic decision aims to bolster the establishment of a North American closed-loop circular battery metals supply chain.
Ryan Melsert, CEO of ABTC, expressed pride in the company's achievements, stating that they have manufactured bulk quantities of high nickel and cobalt content recycled black mass material at their commercial-scale, lithium-ion battery recycling facility. He emphasized ABTC's commitment to selling recycled materials within the North American battery supply chain, fostering closed-loop domestic operations rather than exporting critical minerals abroad.
Melsert also highlighted the company's success in establishing strong relationships with domestic customers, enabling direct sales of recycled products instead of relying on intermediaries.
ABTC's innovative approach to battery recycling and primary battery metals commercialization supports the development of a domestically-sourced battery metals circular supply chain. By bringing first-of-kind technologies to market, the company is playing a crucial role in advancing sustainability and resource efficiency in the rapidly growing battery industry.
This landmark agreement not only represents a significant step forward for ABTC but also contributes to the broader goal of creating a more resilient and self-sufficient battery supply chain in North America. As the demand for electric vehicles and energy storage solutions continues to rise, the importance of efficient battery recycling and domestic material sourcing becomes increasingly evident. CopyRetry
